Come on, Dover! Move your bloomin' arse!! (Elize from My Fair Lady )

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What a glorious day to watch the ponies at the Ellerslie Racecourse. The weather was ideal, 75 degrees, blue sky, white clouds, and a very slight breeze coming from the direction of the track. Ladies dressed in racetrack fashion (not NASCAR fashion), feathers, big hats, beads and pearls and stilettos that kept sinking into the soft turf. Men donned their suits, blazers or Italian fashion.

I never imagined that a day at the races could be so enjoyable, but it was, we had an awesome time. As sporting events go I cannot imagine a better way to spend three or four hours. A good mix of socializing, mingling, eating, drinking and the excitement of thundering hoofs of horses on grass turf. The energy of the crowd was infectious, young and old wishing their horse forward and shouting out names and numbers as the horses raced down the stretch, “Go 17 come on Republican Start….” Much like the ebb and flow of the ocean tide, the race spectators would surge forward to the railing pushing to get closer to the action, once the race was over they would receded back to their tables for drinks or the betting cages with their next hot tip.

As some of you may notice in the photos they run the horses in the opposite direction to all horse races that I’ve seen in the States. I guess it must have something to do with us being in the southern hemisphere, like water that swirls in the opposite direction as it goes down the drain.

We started the day out as a group of four and ended up with eight for the ride back. I volunteered myself for the boot. I must say Volvo knows how to make them comfortable. If you’re ever kidnapped and tossed in the boot, hope that it’s in a Volvo.

Bill B., I’ve introduced them to the concept of penny anti poker (in our case 10 cent anti given that that’s the smallest denomination in NZ). We play Wednesday nights. You’re welcome to join us when you visit.

I’ve got a hot tip so I’ve got to go for now! Until next time.

PS: the Mo is still going strong. Fundraising here in NZ is going well, lots of support at the office. Just five more days to go.

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Photos

A day at the Horse Racecourse (Ellerslie)
Rob and I

Who's Lucky Today?
Everyone seemed to have there own secret for choosing the winners, to place or trifecta. “I’ve got an insiders tip” was number one. The others included: that horse has perfectly proportioned legs, the hind quarters are rippling, go for the gray horse, that ones feisty, or watch for the horse with blinkers their mad and my favorite was that horse just relieved itself after weigh in so their lighter and ready to go the distance.

The Winning Owners
Anyone want to buy a share in a horse? $2000 in and then monthly fees. A fun status symbol.

Our Mess
This was just the beginning of a large pile of rubbish generated in our circle on the lawn. Loosing tickets, programs, shoes, coats, bags, and thirty or so beer bottles and a half dozen wine glasses.

Me and Sivan
Watching the news together.

Comments

[Jeanette]

Wished you would have taken pictures of more hats...what a kick
Hi son, what great hats...those must have been the most obnoxious! The lady in the feathers had an expression on her face to match her hat. Yesterday, we were at an art gallery that featured Dr. Suess art...that blue feathered hat came straight from there I am sure! How is the mo??? We contributed $30 US on you. Go Donavin...go. Only a few days left. We are on the Oregon coast in Cannon Beach...weather is mild and sunny. Glad you are having a nice time.

[Uncle Cliff]

Horses and Women
Old Cowboy's Proverb When I die, there are 2 things I want. Tan my hide and make the leather into a woman's riding saddle. That way I can be between the 2 things I love most..... Still with the horses boy, not as expensive as women and you get to win once in a while